Rome – SF

Eight consecutive defeats from Rafael Nadal‘s hands suffered Richard Gasquet, so he knew that only mixing things up would give him some chances to beat “the Spanish bull”. Gasquet implemented great tactics in the 1st set, diversified ground-strokes and serves, was very offensive, and had a slight advantage in the first ten games. Nadal survived it and made the first break in the 11th game. In the following game, Gasquet had a back break point; one point later at ‘deuce’, there was a phenomenal rally, fantastic defensive display of both players, finished with Nadal’s forehand winner. It was a set point, however, a virtual match point, since then, Gasquet couldn’t stand the pace and Nadal notched a 7-5, 6-1 win, it’s his 14th successive victory in Rome. Nadal: “I am playing better every day and a little bit higher, so I think that in general I am happy for everything. [I’m in] another final, six in a row, and it is unbelievable; I had a tough week and so I am very happy for everything.”